Recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21
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An important milestone in celebrating the heritage and diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada; June 21, 2021, marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
In recognition of this significant day, the Two Row Wampum Flag was risen for the first time at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute, where the Biigajiiskaan- Indigenous Pathways for Mental Wellness Program is located.
“There’s significance in flying the Wampum Flag at this hospital today,” says Bill Hill (Ro'nikonkatste), project lead for the Biigajiiskaan Program, and who led a smudging ceremony before the flag was raised. “It signals that we’re working together, in harmony, to provide access to culturally safe care for the Indigenous community.”
The flag is a representation of the Two Row Wampum Belt; a beaded belt, built in ceremony, which is a symbol of the original treaty agreement. It represents mutual respect and peace between Indigenous peoples of North America and early European settlers.
The three white sections of the flag represent peace, friendship and trust, while the two purple lines symbolize vessels; one a canoe, the other a sailing ship, travelling side-by-side. The original treaty recognized that Indigenous peoples, their culture, laws and traditions were inside the canoe, while the culture, laws and traditions of the settlers were in the sailing ship. It was a commitment that the nations would travel peacefully together, but not interfere with one another.
The treaty agreement also outlined a mutual, three-part commitment to friendship, peace between peoples, and living in parallel forever ‘as long as the grass is green, as long as the rivers flow downhill and as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.’
Jodi Younger, St. Joseph’s Vice President of Patient Care and Quality who was also in attendance at the flag raising and added “As St. Joseph’s mental health care services work to address long-standing, systemic barriers to care for Indigenous Peoples, today’s recognition is just one step in signaling that our Biigajiiskaan Program is a place to receive culturally safe care.”
“It is empowering to see that flag flying,” said Belinda King, a Biigajiiskaan client who was chosen to raise the Two Row Wampum Flag “It was an honor and a privilege to be chosen to raise it.”
To learn more about Indigenous Pathways to Mental Wellness, visit the Biigajiiskaan Program page, or visit Atlohsa Family Healing Services.
